Sunderland recruitment specialist creates new jobs in post-pandemic boom

A Sunderland based recruitment firm has praised the versatility of the region’s business community, after it saw business double during one of the industry’s toughest ever periods, creating several new jobs.

Hospitality recruitment specialist Adkins & Cheurfi saw its entire business grind to a halt when Covid struck, as events across the UK were cancelled and the doors of pubs and restaurants slammed shut.

Co-founders, Melika Cheurfi and Dean Adkins, who founded the business in 2016, had to diversify their offering and explore new avenues for the business.

The duo decided to take its, ‘candidate-first’ business model and launch a new arm focused solely on ICT and Professional Services.

Adkins & Cheurfi IT & Commercial is now growing at rapid pace and having already placed over 50 candidates in the first half of 2021, has created four jobs of its own to cater for the growing demand for its services from businesses both in the UK and overseas.

Melika Cheurfi, co-founder, Adkins & Cheurfi said: “When the pandemic hit last year and the hospitality sector ground to a halt almost overnight, we - like thousands of other business owners serving the services sector - were left wondering what it meant for the future of our business.”

Dean Adkins, co-founder, Adkins & Cheurfi added: “We knew we had to pivot and we re-evaluated our business and brought in the experienced consultants required to help us expand our service offering into new sectors and futureproof our business for life post-Covid.

“By branching out into such sectors, we’ve already doubled the size of our business – both in terms of headcount and turnover - and after a fantastic start to the year, we’re now looking to continue investing in the business with a new office space to cater for this growth.”

Melika and Dean started Adkins & Cheurfi in a small start-up office at the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC) and have since continued to grow their presence at the business hub, charting year-on-year growth and relocating five times in as many years.

Donna Surtees, centre manager at the North East BIC, said: “One of the things that is truly unique about the North East Business & Innovation Centre is our ability to provide small businesses with a nurturing environment that encourages growth while providing them with the security of being able to scale sustainably and Adkins & Cheufri is a perfect example of this.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →